A walk on the trail

A Proper Cut

Whenever Grandma Barbara (Paul's Mom) comes to town she brings her clippers and Thurston gets a proper cut. She is a professional dog groomer and does a smashing job! Much unlike the "supercuts" hack job that I do on Thurston with my dull scissors at the end of Spring.

(The woe is me shot)

He really doesn't mind his bath. He just has to make you feel sorry for him.

Not too shabby for an old man! He was 14 years old in September. Which is 98 in people years!

I think he looks like a puppy again with his nice new do!

Speak up!

This quote is at the end of the Holocaust exhibit in Boston. What an important thought. We all need to speak up for what is right.
(Click on the picture to read the quote more closely)

A Rockin' Christmas Day!

T'was the night before Christmas & all through the house

the excitement could be felt and bubbled right out!

The stocking were placed by the chimney with care

for they had way too great a load they did bear!

A note left for Santa, cookies, a muffin

a Diet Coke too for all of the huffin'.

Many creatures did stir all through the house

2 dogs, 2 grandmothers and 2 silly kids

all in various beds with blankets up to their heads!

When all sounds were quiet and parents could rest

Alexander bounds in and exclaims quite in fear

"that it is way too late-

we missed Christmas this year! "

When my sleepy eyes could adjust

and read the clock not so near

I discovered Christmas was

barely underway...

"it's only 3:47" I say

and sent the anxious boy back on his way!

A few hours later before the sun was up

the children were bouncing

and exclaiming GET UP!

But first a quick picture on the stairs is the deal-

so we can get ready to record all the chaos and squeals.

Down the stairs in a second and a mad dash for the tree

a loud "SANTA WAS HERE AND

LOOK WHAT HE BROUGHT ME!"

A set of golf clubs, a nintendo DS, an electric guitar, a new GPS

Rock band for Wii and socks, tennis shoes,

some sweaters for Paul, and various toys too!

The presents set up, the amp turned up loud

Alyssa strumming away with a look quite so proud!

Alexander singing about Cowboys dead and alive

Bon Jovi is the tune of the hour will we survive?

Dad joining right in with the guitar in hand

The Trueman's are rockin' with many a fan!

A wonderful Christmas was had

by all in the house!

"We'll do it again... next year" with pause in our voice

at least we have 364 more days...sigh..."rejoice!"

Silly Elves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A great read!

This is my favorite book! I got this book a few years before Alyssa and Alexander were born and I still continue to read it every year. For the past few years at Christmastime we have read it together. It is such a simple and beautiful story of the light of Christ in our lives as told from his burro named Meshak who serves his Master faithfully until the end.

"A faithful and loving companion, Meshak follows and serves Jesus throughout His life. In time the burro grows to understand the importance of the light that Jesus strives to kindle in people's souls. Ultimately Meshak comes to realize that Jesus is like the oil that fills a lamp, guiding our way out of the darkness... and into the light of eternal love."

When we are finished we would love to let you borrow it. It can be read at anytime of the year. It is not a Christmas story although I like to read it at this time of year to help me focus on what is really important.

SNAP, CRACKLE, POP!

A little ice storm is what they said on the news. Well once again they WRONG! SNAP, CRACKLE, POP the power went out...the trees had started breaking and crashing outside earlier, but then the wind picked up and for hours on end we heard trees crashing all around us. It got so bad at one point that I asked if he thought I was silly if we went downstairs to sleep since there is a tree line about 40 feet from our bedroom. So we went downstairs with Alyssa in tow (since she always wakes up when the power goes out). I would love to tell you that I slept soundly from then on but the trees continued to break, snap and crack all night long along with the ice and wind pelting the house! It was like what I can only imagine living in a war zone.

Everything was beautifully covered and craned over with thick layers of ice the next morning.

We went out to view the damages. So many huge limbs broken and SNAPPED off in our yard and in our forest area. One area on the side of our driveway is completely open to our neighbors. The same area where we could never see through since it was so thick with trees. (Picture below)

Thankfully Paul was able to go to BJ's and get the very LAST generator!

By this time it was a whopping 57 degrees in our home and dropping. On Saturday the temps dropped into the teens so we were so grateful to have heat! Let me tell you this was the best 600 dollars we have ever spent! Then we were enjoying the heat, the microwave, flushing toilets, TV and wii. You know the necessities in life!

The bizarre thing is you go over one town and it is like nothing ever happened! They had to drive a bobcat up and down our road to get all the trees and limbs off. We went out the next night and I really was amazed to see all the damage. The devastation was really beyond what I had imagined! The view down our street.

We FINALLY got power back on Monday night and our phone and Internet (which I missed the most!) on Wednesday. Just in time for us to be slammed by a snowstorm today. We are expecting to get 8-12 inches. Oh well at this point I say Let it snow, let it snow...LET IT SNOW! As long as the power stays on...oh and my Internet!

We're not dirt!

So as I was cutting a grapefruit this afternoon for the kids snack and I found a few small stray seeds and told the kids to watch out, but thankfully it won't hurt them.

Alyssa responds-"It's a good thing we're not dirt!"

Mom with laughter-"Yes, it is!"

A+

Cherokee Summer Home

Alexander had his first big project due on Monday. He choose the Cherokee Native American Tribe and had to write a report about the tribe. Xander and I tackled the written part and Paul and him worked very hard on his display. They did such a great job! Xander worked so hard on writing his report and then he had to present his information to his class. He was really nervous about this and thankfully he was the second to present. When I picked him up from school yesterday he was practically bursting at the seams with excitement! He got an A+! He was so stoked!! We talked about how WONDERFUL it feels to do your best and then to be rewarded for all of your effort.

Alyssa also had a Native American Project, but they completed this in groups in class. She was somewhat frustrated working in a group since they didn't all have the same ideas and vision. It is interesting how early in life you learn the need to carry your own weight and put your best foot forward whether others are following suit or not. She was really excited that she was chosen to bring the project home. I love the person in the canoe! It makes me smile.

1. Finding my purse when I thought it was in Paul's car which is at Logan airport for the next 3 days!!
2. Getting back all the hard work you put in.
3. vacuumed floors

25 days of Kindness

We focused on 25 days of kindness last year rather than buying an expensive advent calendar. Of course we still have the chocolate one. They only get their chocolate for the day if they have done what it says on the list below. We had a great time with it. I got so tired of focusing on the materialistic part of Christmas and wanted to focus more on serving others. You have to look at your calendar and plan what works for which busy nights and adapt it to your family! Each morning they get the service from an envelope. For the treasure box I put in little ornaments, Christmas cakes (Little Debbie ones) a small candy. Simple things that they can choose from. Come join us in serving others for 25 days!

Kindness 2008
Day 1: Make a card for Great Grandma
Day 2: Read your favorite Christmas story by the fire.
Day 3: Bring cookies to the your Wednesday night leaders.
Day 4: Listen to Christmas carols and create a beautiful picture while listening. Send this picture to someone special.
Day 5: TREASURE BOX! Since you have been working so hard at being kind take a trip to the treasure box and pick out something to celebrate all of your hard work!
Day 6: Do a service for dad
Day 7: Give your teacher a hug and tell them why they are great!
Day 8: Smile :-) at others all day long (they’ll think you have a secret!)
Day 9: Make cookies for your neighbors
Day 10: TREASURE BOX! Since you have been working so hard at being kind take a trip to the treasure box and pick out something to celebrate all of your hard work!
Day 11: Give extra love to Thurston-brush him, pet him, tell him you love him…
Day 12: Do a chore without being asked!
Day 13: Make a special card for your teacher
Day 14: Speak nicely all day long! (NO crabby apples!)
Day 15: TREASURE BOX! Since you have been working so hard at being kind take a trip to the treasure box and pick out something to celebrate all of your hard work!
Day 16: Tell 3 nice things about your brother/sister
Day 17: Call Grandma
Day 18: Do a service for mom
Day 19: Tell someone special you love them and why
Day 20: TREASURE BOX! Since you have been working so hard at being kind take a trip to the treasure box and pick out something to celebrate all of your hard work!
Day 21: Make a special card for your teacher
Day 22: Call Grandma
Day 23: Make a comfy bed for Grandma Barbara
Day 24: Watch Mr. Kruger’s Christmas and tell about your favorite part.
Day 25: Merry Christmas! We are so proud of you working so hard to be kind and loving towards others. WE LOVE YOU!!!

Abundance

“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend . . . when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”
Sarah Ban Breathnach
As quoted from President Thomas S. Monson
in my favorite conference article
Finding Joy in the Journey October 2008

My most favorite meal!

Some would say that their most favorite meal of the whole year is Thanksgiving. Well for me it is the day after when I have all of those wonderful leftovers and pile them high onto a

Foul Weather Sandwich!

Toasted bread, miracle whip, turkey, stuffing, gravy and top it off with cranberry sauce! YUM! Of course you have to have all of the other leftovers along the side. Followed by pumpkin flan for dessert and I am in food heaven!

Hope your Turkey day was great! We had a terrific day cooking, chatting and hanging out with family! Just what the day should be!

A splashing good time!

This year we had the opportunity to join the Jones Family on their Thanksgiving tradition of going to Coco Key indoor water park and spending the night at the adjoining hotel. What a wonderful time we had!

On the way Paul decided to call and see if any upgrades were possible. Since he is always traveling he racks up the points and levels and we are always excited when we are with him and we get upgraded. Well upgraded is an understatement! We got the PRESIDENTIAL SUITE! WOW! We were so excited when we stepped through the double doors into a HUGE living area and walked to one side where there were double beds, a bathroom and a balcony then on the way other side was big our room, sitting area, bathroom and balcony.

The kids reaction to the suite

It worked out just perfect for a dinner party- ultra gourmet of course (pizza and soda) and a sleep over of Hallie and Brooklynn to follow! SO nice to have space, wonderful friends to share it with and 3 TVs to fit every ones viewing pleasure and to NOT have to pay extra for it!

The water park was a blast! We spent several hours there the first day a several more today! The kids HAD to be the first in line this morning which was great since it ensured us lounge chairs and a table. There were so many things to do- water slides with or without tubes, a huge play area with the dumping bucket, a huge jacuzzi, a lazy river, a pool with basketball, and a little kiddie area which all of the kids had just as much fun at. Our favorites were the water slides although I didn't know that one was PITCH BLACK inside and I was quite freaked out at first! The second day Alyssa tried the dark one and she too preferred the light one. The boys of course liked the dark! Xander and I going down on the double tube

It was so much fun hanging out with friends and the older kiddos running a muck and not having to worry about them. They would come and check in every so often and tell us what fun they were having!

The kids were exhausted after repeated trips up the stairs
You'd think they'd turn into fish!
Hallie was such a good sport! She only got to go down the water slide once or twice since she was a wee bit too short. But she took it in stride and found other things to do. I didn't hear her complain once about this! As a matter of fact I didn't hear one whine, gripe or complaint out of any of the older kids.

It truly was a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for the invite Jones Family! We can't wait to do it again next year!!

Order

I hate it when everywhere you look around the house something needs to be done! I have been sick for the last few days (again...) and yesterday only did laundry and read on the couch. It was hard for me to make myself stay put but I knew I needed to rest so I could feel up to par for Thanksgiving. Then today I look around and WHAM a pile here a pile there, clothes and books on the stairs, blankets on the couch from last night, dishes in the sink after our daily vitamin dinner last night, shoes in the living room and a BIG pile of stuff to be sorted in the kitchen. Thankfully it only took a while to get things back to where they belong-well for the most part that is. It is hard for me to thrive in chaos for too long! Order makes me feel calm and peaceful. As for the others in our home they are (somewhat) happy to help me when reminded.

1. a clean kitchen
2. small piles
3. happy helpers

I will give you rest

Come unto me, all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11: 28-30

The Bishop quoted these verses from Matthew today in church. It made me think of a conversation that I was having last night with two of my girlfriends. We were discussing the trials and tribulations in our lives- present day and past. While none of our trials were the same we all could have empathy for one another because we all know how it feels to be so overwhelmed by our problems and feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. Thankfully there is complete understanding and love by our Savior and He truly is willing to help make our burdens light if only we turn to Him.

A daily vitamin?

Every morning I take the kids to school. I just love this time in the car together. Sometimes we sing along with the radio, converse about our daily plans or study for spelling tests. Our conversation today went something like this:

Mom: Tomorrow night at the Jones' we are going to have chicken bowls. Yum!

Lissy: Are the kids going to have pizza?

Mom: No you guys like Christy's chicken.

Xander: Yes we do, but we LOVE pizza! We are going to have it today at lunch and then again tonight at Connor's birthday party!

Lissy: Ya, you know it's a daily vitamin mom!

Mom: Is that so?

Lissy: Hey wait! We don't take vitamins we'll just have pizza instead!

Fun times in the car and daily vitamins for dinner! Those are my thankful 2 for the day!

Shades of gray

Tonight the kids reminded me that it was Family Home Evening night and once again I was thankful for the Deseret Books lessons that get sent to my email every week! It was a fun lesson about gaining experiences and how all the things that happen in our lives help shape and strengthen our testimonies- kinda like building blocks.
We played several little games in which they had to make a list of things that are useless without something else. examples: A lamp is useless without a light bulb; a pen is useless without ink; a car is useless without gas.

Alyssa's list:
t.v. without wires
book without words
picture without a picture
printer without paper
refrigerator without cold

Alexander's list:
t.v. without electricity
body a without heart

We then did this fill in the blanks together:
A body is useless without a heart.
The scriptures are useless without words.
Death is useless without the atonement.
A leader is useless without people.
The priesthood is useless without men.
Repentance is useless without prayer.
The resurrection is useless without Jesus.
A prophet is useless without the priesthood.
A blessing is useless without the priesthood and faith.
Faith is useless without you believing.
A family is useless without Mom. :-)
Baptism is useless without the Melchizedek priesthood and someone to be baptized.
A temple marriage is useless without a man and a woman.
You are useless without your heart, lungs or without God.

Well let me tell you this opened up a WHOLE OTHER CAN OF WORMS! Specifically the temple marriage part because of their answer of a man and woman. Xander says, "who else would it be? It's not like a man would marry a man." Oh boy! After that follows an explanation of why we believe a marriage should only be between a man and a woman and how each person brings something different and unique to the marriage and the one of the main reasons we are here is to have a family....I briefly explained about same sex marriages (living in MA that will definitely come up in the future) and what we believe and why we believe these things. At the end Alyssa says, "Mom that's just weird! Why would a woman marry another woman? It's like sisters!" Oh the innocence of youth and the black and white of it also. There are so many shades of gray as we get older, but then again maybe there shouldn't be.
1. FHE
2. a good book to read
3. innocence

Serving shoulder to shoulder

Today in Ward Council we discussed the importance of Service.

"Your unity will increase while serving shoulder to shoulder this is where bonds are formed- Growth through service."

I saw this unity take full shape at one of the children's baptism today. The programs were made, the talks were given, the music was beautifully played, the food was lovingly prepared and the loving arms of ward members outstretched as we welcomed our newest member of the ward. What a joy it was to be able to serve shoulder to shoulder with members of my ward family!

Soggy Service Project

Alexander is just loving being a Cub Scout! He has been working hard on earning his badges. This afternoon the Cub Scouts had a Soggy Service Project.

The soggy part wasn't intended although the invitation did say "Rain or Shine" and it was definitely rain! I have to admit I was less than enthused about the wet weather but who was I to complain? I wasn't the one getting rained on (well... for a bit at the end). The kids had a fun time raking leaves for one of the ward members. I think the rain is actually what will make this event even more memorable! When Alyssa and I returned from our grocery shopping we counted 18 bags out front and many more in the back. There were many piles of leaves that didn't get a chance to get bagged in the backyard due to time limitations and pouring down rain at the end!

We picked up some cookies while shopping and shared it with the Scouts at the end. Although I must say I was totally grossed out at the fact that they were

touching the cookies with their FILTHY DIRTY hands! Grant was the only man after my own heart who took the two cookies into his mouth and wouldn't touch them with his hands.

On the way home Xander said, "This is the most fun I have had in a long time!" I am so grateful for the Scouts program and the leaders who work so hard to help the boys serve others and become better young men!

The Motley Crew

Collin, Joshua and Xander

It's done!

After what felt like forever I have finally finished the picture for my living room! It really brings the punch that the room needed. I saw a really great picture which I could not afford and to me that is like a challenge- well I could do that! So with some convincing from my sister and lots of orange paint (it is 48x60) I set out to recreate the picture. Paul was a great help too with the projector set up and initial tracing. I started it in October when life was so crazy and some weeks I barely touched it but, I finally finished it yesterday! Now I have my dining room table back and a huge picture for my living room. Well that is until I start my next project...

What life's all about

A&A 4th of July 2003

As I sat at the computer this afternoon trying to catch up with all of the things that transpired at church today Xander comes up to me and says, "MOM I haven't given you a hug ALL day!" Followed by a huge bear hug! Now that is what life is all about receiving love back from those you love most!

You, and the rest of the world

Last night the kids and I did a quick family home evening lesson together. I must admit that I am pretty bad about FHE. We read our scriptures most every night, but fall short in the FHE area. I am so glad that we did it because this morning the kids asked if every Tuesday night we could have family home evening? And they said what a great time they had! It was mostly due to the game that we played at the end-Fruit Basket Upset- which is very hard to play with 3 people,

but we made it work!

The lesson was on Individual worth and likened different fruits to different people. Just because one is different doesn't make it any less important in the eyes of God.

In the story part of the lesson it spoke of a father giving advice to his son, "Young man, I want you to realize that this world is divided into two great groups—

you, and the rest of the world."
"Regardless of what the rest of the world does,

it cannot save you;

and regardless of what the world does,

it cannot destroy you.

It is what you do

yourself

that determines what is going to happen,

whether you are going to be loved and respected and happy and successful while you are living here, and whether or not you are going to meet your Heavenly Father the way you would like to meet him."

As I was pondering over this today and how it fits into the political scheme of things I still remain optimistic about the future. I am grateful for the many opportunities I have each day to make the world a better place...loving my family, saying kind words, having family home evening...The world cannot save me or destroy me I am the only one who determines that!

A surprise lunch date!

I had a surprise lunch date today! I didn't think that we would get together until sometime next Spring and then the opportunity arose and I took it!

My lounge chair and I had a fabulous lunch in the bright beautiful SUNSHINE! What a treat it was to bask in the sunshine on my deck in early November. I had to convince myself several times to get my butt up and get something done so that later on when the kids got home we could play outside! I hated to come in because who knows when this opportunity will come again. Well I'm off to finish chores and then maybe a quick visit with my good friend again! Enjoy the day!

The moments in between...

As I was meandering my way through the back country road to the grocery store I was appreciating how there are still beautiful Fall leaves on the trees, the yellow and burnt orange are a nice contrast and that I am glad it is only just barely November.

Then I pull up to the store and outside is the Salvation army guy with the red bucket and ringing bell. "WOW," I say to him, "You're early aren't you?" " Nope the first of November for the past 5 years that I have done this."

I go into the store and what do I hear piping through the speakers? Christmas music! Hey I love Christmas music I always start playing it the DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING! As I go up and down the aisles my eyes are bombarded with clearance Halloween, Thanksgiving baking items and tons of Christmas things.

Mind you I am not bah humbugging I am merely asking why we have to rush through everything just to get to the next thing? Do we stop and enjoy the journey? Do we take time to seal the small moments in time? Or are we just getting from one thing to the next barely coming up for air in between? That is the way October felt for me. I had 4 major things strewn out throughout the month and I felt like I was just wishing to get to the next thing and not enjoying the moments in between.

So today I am appreciating the Fall leaves, that it is still AUTUMN and especially the fact that I have about 8 weeks left until Christmas! Because I am SO not ready!